In Minnesota, 11.4 percent of people are living below the federal poverty level, 17.1 percent of children under 5 are living in poverty and 29 percent of families with a single female head of household are in poverty. Nearly half, 48.2 percent of households, pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent. Total population in poverty: over half a million, with many more hovering just above.

Shameful statistics for a state rated near top in many categories. Will the new incoming administration and Legislature address this negligence? First, they must acknowledge it as a social problem to alleviate. It went unaddressed in recent political campaigns which once more centered around upper middle class issues where the money is. Second, our “brave and noble” leaders should take meaningful actions, bypassing usual patronizing, self-inflating empty words and promises. And third, gather any vestiges of waning courage to personally visit working poor neighborhoods, both metro and rural, to listen to working poor people and their ideas. There’s more to a constituency than the chamber of commerce or other moneyed lobbyists.

These proposals may sound heretical to politicians’ campaign-money tilted ears, but — much to their dismay — a growing poor working class vote, as well. Take heed!

Patrick Cunningham

Twin Lakes